USNS Trenton (JHSV 5) Completes Acceptance Trials

The joint high speed vessel USNS Trenton (JHSV 5) completed acceptance trials at the Austal USA shipyard March 13, the Navy announced March 24.

The week-long trials were held in the Gulf of Mexico and overseen by the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV). INSURV worked alongside the shipyard to demonstrate the ship's equipment and system operation to ensure it is ready for delivery and fulfills all contractual requirements.

"Trenton performed very well during these trials, said Strategic and Theater Sealift Program Manager Capt. Henry Stevens. "The rigorous testing each ship undergoes ensures the Navy receives the most capable and mission ready asset at delivery."

JHSVs are versatile, non-combatant ships capable of transporting 600 short tons 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots. They are equipped with airline style seating for 312 embarked forces, and fixed berthing for 104. Trenton will be used for the fast intra-theater transportation of troops, military vehicles and equipment. The ship's 15-foot shallow draft, ability to interface with roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities, and ease of access to austere and deteriorated piers will facilitate littoral operations and port access.

Having completed acceptance trials, Trenton will now prepare for delivery to the Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC) later this year. The ship will be capable of supporting a wide range of operations including non-combatant evacuation operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The first four ships of the class have delivered to the fleet. The first two ships of the class, USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1) and USNS Choctaw County (JHSV 2) have completed overseas deployments to Europe, West Africa and the Caribbean.

As one of the Defense Department's largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships and special warfare craft. Delivering high-quality war fighting assets - while balancing affordability and capability - is key to supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy.